Barbra grabs brace, assist in NWSL season opener
By Mast Reporter
COPPER Queens Captain Barbra Banda scored a first brace and chipped in with an assist in Orlando Pride’s 6-0 win over Chicago Red Stars in the opening match of the National Women’s Soccer League at the Exploria stadium in Orlando.
Compatriot Prisca Chilufya also grabbed an assist for one of Banda’s goals.
According to the Orlando Pride website, the six goals serve as the most goals scored by the team in a single match, previously doing it last season against the Utah Royals. The win is also the Club’s first-ever win on its opening night to the regular season.
Banda contributed to three goals on the night, recording a brace and providing the helper on a Julie Doyle finish.
Banda was able to put the game away with two late goals, which makes her the team leader to starts the season. Last season’s Golden Boot runner-up started the season where she left off securing her fifth brace of the regular season in her NWSL career.
Banda has now tied Marta’s Club record for matches with at least one goal and one assist, each having done so on four separate occasions.
Haley McCutcheon got the scoring started early in the match, with her teammates following in her footsteps. Ally Watt, and Julie Doyle added to the tally while the Pride also earned a goal from a Chicago own goal.
Three Pride players recorded their first assists of the regular season with Morgan Gautrat, Banda and Marta picking up assists. Marta extended her Club record in assists to 20 helpers across all competitions.
